Research has shown that some recruiters can be biased towards certain groups. The same studies have shown that the prejudice can be deliberate or even unconscious. If a candidate sends in a CV they can be discriminated against for any of the following reasons:
- Race or ethnicity
- Gender
- Sexual orientation
- Marital status
- Age
- Disability
- Political beliefs
- Religious beliefs
- Language / accent
- Social background
We know what the problem is but the question is how to deal with it. One of the most common ways is to conceal information which might prejudice you chances of getting a interview. Some people however might find this approach unacceptable as it would be playing to the bigots. In any case if you get to the interview stage you will be found out and may be discriminated against at that stage.
On the positive side you should always remember that just because the person reading your CV may be prejudiced, it doesn’t mean that other people in the company are. Also note that large companies and public sector employers are likely to have strong and effective Equal Opportunities policies and therefore much more likely to be fair in their recruitment procedures.
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